OLIVIA — Restaurant in Saint Petersburg

UPDATED REVIEW: After speaking with the manager, we believe Olivia truly cares about the customer experience. The general manager responded to our concerns in a very professional manner and addressed the issue with nothing but respect. It was clear from our conversation that they took the matter seriously and were committed to making it right. We believe Olivia values the rights and respect of all people and works hard to ensure every guest feels welcomed and included. We truly appreciate the effort they put into making sure customers have a positive and respectful experience. Thank you, Olivia. We will definitely be going back and letting our friends know how seriously Olivia handles these situations.

INITIAL REVIEW: My partner and I have been to Olivia three times. Two times we had reservations and the servers were amazing. This last time we didn't have reservations but we found two seats at the bar. We sat nearest Brennan. He gave us two glasses of water right away then ignored us. It appeared he was tasked to make all of the drinks for the servers however there were times he wasn't making drinks and still ignored us. Brennan knew we were ordering food as he gave us two menus. I didn't peg Olivia as the kind of restaurant we had to call out to Brennan or wave him down to put in our order. We patiently waited for him to approach us for our order but had to wave him down. Brennan and the other female bartender were especially more attentive to the rest of the bar patrons but oddly not us. At one point, Brennan walked over to the other two female bartenders and were standing directly in front of us. He was holding a small cucumber at his waist and asked the two female bartenders which end they prefer. I was offended and felt it was purposely and intentionally directed towards us. The only lesbians at the bar. I expect more from Olivia. Even if a staff member has a personal issue with a certain sexual orientation, I would hope they could remain professional. I have never been to a restaurant were the server never checked on us after the food was served but it was par for the course here. My partner and I are locals in St. Pete and frequent many of the restaurants downtown. Don't get me wrong, I certainly don't think that I am special or boujee but never expected this kind...

Dined at Olivia St. Pete for brunch this morning and it did not disappoint! Service was absolutely lovely from the minute we stepped up to the door. A kind gentleman opened and held the door for us, quickly found our reservation, and seated us in under a minute. He noted that I selected a birthday for the occasion on the reservation, and wished my friend a happy birthday. This was also communicated to our server, who brought over a sweet note for my friend and a birthday cannoli at the conclusion of our meal.

Our server was Jesse, and he was genuinely kind and attentive to our table. He explained the menu, gave great recommendations, checked on us an appropriate amount of times, and never let our water glasses get empty.

For an appetizer we had the Coccolio Frtio, and for entrees we had the Egg Soufflé Sandwich and Steak & Mushroom Sandwich. They were great portions. Not too big, but enough that with the appetizer I took half my sandwich home! The menu was SO hard to choose from, and we’ll definitely be back to try more!

We had no problem with the prices or the service charge being included. Service charge is something we’re seeing more and more in St. Pete, an I personally appreciate those in the service industry being compensated in this way. As a local, I love the opportunity to return to my favorite restaurants and recognizing the people working. Also, if you’ve made it this far you probably also found the gentleman’s rant about the service charge from a few weeks before me. Please do not let that sway you away from this restaurant. He clearly does not understand that servers are not the only people that go into making a restaurant experience what it is. Most places in St. Pete will gladly remove the service charge if you speak up in person instead of hide behind the internet, and you’re still given the opportunity to tip more if you’d like to do something nice for your server :) Also, and I promise I’m done after this, England changed their rule beginning in January 2025 and now their servers are paid the same way they are in the U.S. - below minimum wage, plus tips, no benefits (AND most places it’s 9-13%, and you can’t add more tip). No, that’s not all of Europe, but also don’t let a...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Olivia – The Downtown St. Pete Pasta Speakeasy 🍝

If you ever want to eat dinner and simultaneously feel like you’ve been accepted into the Italian Illuminati, welcome to Olivia, the Fort Knox of Florida fine dining. Want a reservation? Cool, see you in three months—unless you know the thing. I know the thing. But if I told you the thing, it wouldn't be a thing anymore, would it? 😏

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the LASAGNA. It’s not on the menu. It’s not whispered about. It’s not hinted at. But it exists. They make one tray a night. That’s it. One tray. Like it’s a rare truffle or a sacred scroll. If you manage to get a piece, you will ascend into carb nirvana while the ghost of Nonna whispers, “Mangia, my child.”

Now, aside from the mythical lasagna, the rest of the menu is no slouch either:

The Truffle Fries are basically edible luxury, like if your french fries got promoted to CEO.

The Charcuterie board is a meaty, cheesy journey through Italy without needing a passport or awkward Duolingo owl reminders.

The Squid Ink Casarecce looked like it was crafted by Poseidon himself while wearing a chef’s coat.

And the Meatball "Broken" Pizza isn’t broken—it’s just emotionally complex.

Oh, and don’t skip the Cicchetti Tower unless you hate happiness. It’s a chef’s choice tower of flavor chaos and order—a literal Leaning Tower of Delicious.

The service? Impeccable. The ambiance? Cozy mafia movie date night. The crowd? A mix of foodies, insiders, and people who definitely bribed someone for a table.

Pro tip: Try saying “I know about the tray” in a low voice while squinting at the server. You may or may not be led into a culinary Narnia behind the kitchen.

Final thoughts: Olivia isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience. An edible adventure. A meaty, cheesy, saucy mystery novel. Go. Indulge. Just don’t ask me how I got my table. Some secrets are better left simmering in béchamel. 😎🍷

#LasagnaLore #DowntownStPeteEats #OliviaKnows #PastafariansWelcome...